Japan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has laid emphasis on engaging the younger generation in promoting cultural bondage through Ikebana, a traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement.

“I hope Ikebana will be loved by young people in Bangladesh,” he said on Friday while speaking at a function organized by Bangladesh Ikebana Association (BIA).

The ambassador said there is a strong interest among the young students in Bangladesh about Japan, its language and culture.

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He urged the BIA to continue playing its role to further promote the friendship through better understanding of Japanese culture.

“I hope the activities of BIA will further be increased. We will be very happy to provide further moral support to BIA,” said ambassador Naoki.

Life patron and BIA founder Prof Dr AKM Moazzem Hussain, life patron and BIA CEO Masud Karim, BIA President Shahinoor Baby and BIA Assistant General Secretary Salma Akter, among others, were present.

Apart from Ikebana demonstration on stage, a short documentary on Ikebana in Bangladesh was screened at the function which was hosted marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Japan.

Appreciating IBA’s activities, the Japanese envoy said he is happy to know that the BIA is teaching young students Ikebana.

In October 1973, an Ikebana school, known as BIA, was established at the premises of the Embassy of Japan at Shantinagar in the city.

The Japanese envoy also visited Shantinagar before joining the function at Alliance Francaise de Dhaka.

He hoped that BIA’s initiatives will continue to leave a profound impact in Bangladesh’s cultural and art scene.

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“Let’s join hands in further fostering our friendship as we look forward to the next 50 years,” ambassador Naoki said.

BIA is now in the process of its registration with the Social Welfare Department of the government of Bangladesh.